Google has opened a new state-of-the-art data center in Winschoten, Groningen, to support rising global demand for AI-powered services across Google Cloud, Workspace, Search and Maps, and expand the company’s Dutch Cloud region, part of Google’s network of 42 regions worldwide. Google began construction on the Winschoten facility in late 2023 and works with nearly 160 Dutch suppliers, including 77 from Groningen.
In a press release, Google emphasized that the Winschoten site was built with energy efficiency and environmental responsibility in mind. The facility can support off-site heat recovery for future district heating systems and is equipped with rooftop solar panels. Advanced air-cooling systems limit water consumption to domestic levels.
Marco Ynema, Google’s data center lead in the Netherlands said, “Our continued investments in technical infrastructure and clean energy capacity directly ensures that everyone in Winschoten and in The Netherlands remain at the cutting-edge of global tech opportunities.”
The company has already supported numerous gigawatts of clean-energy capacity in the Netherlands. A recent power-purchase agreement (PPA) with Shell will extend the life of an offshore wind farm which is the first corporate deal of its kind. Across Europe, Google has supported over 4.5 gigawatts of new clean-energy generation since 2010.
Water stewardship continues to remain a priority as Google aims to replenish 120 percent of the water it consumes by 2030 and previously invested €45 million (US$ 52.2 million) in a water treatment plant supplying industrial cooling water in the Groningen port area.
Google indicates that generative AI could add €80 (US$ 93 billion) – 85 billion (US$ 99 billion) to Dutch GDP over the next decade, while public-sector adoption alone could cost €6 billion (US$ 7 billion). Deloitte estimates Google’s historical data-center investments have contributed an average €1.96 billion (US$ 2.30 billion) annually to Dutch GDP between 2022 and 2024.